I've just got a 1997 Rover 400 back on the road after two and a half months of disuse. When I braked I noticed a rhythmic rumbling noise a bit like you get when they're worn down to bare metal, but as if it's worse at one point on each revolution. Then I realised it was doing it all the time but much quieter when I'm not braking, but I think it's slightly worse when steering left. I can't tell which wheel it is or even whether it's the front or back. Either I have poor directional hearing, or the engine is drowning it out too much (it's a diesel and I think the front silencer is defective internally).
Rover 400 rumbling noise after disuse
Jan 15, 2011
3 Replies
Rust patch on a brake disc/drum?
Yes, I hope so. Just have to see if it goes away after a few days of use I suppose. It didn't feel as if there were any handling or pulling issues.
Look carefully at the back brakes. I've had a similar issue in the past after the handbrake was left on for weeks during wet weather. The pads had rusted to the discs and left a damaged patch after they released (disks were past their best to start with). It didn't improve much with use - but as the rear brakes don't get much action hardly surprising. Eventually cured by replacement discs and pads. Potentially drums could do the same if the handbrake was left on during the disuse.
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